Lady Gaga Talks on Lupus Diagnosis and Late Star Michael Jackson

Lady Gaga revealed that she was set to open for Michael Jackson in London before his death, in an interview with CNN’s Larry King airing Tuesday night (June 1) that also found the star talking about her “borderline positive” lupus diagnosis.

Gaga — who wore sequined suspenders and a tie in a nod to her interviewer’s signature style — shared that she was among several artists who would have opened for Jackson during his “This Is It” shows at London’s O2 arena. “I was actually asked to open for Michael on his tour,” Gaga said. “We were going to open for him at the O2 and we were working on making it happen…I believe there was some talk about us, lots of the openers, doing duets with Michael onstage.

“But Michael’s death was devastating for me, regardless of whether or not I was supposed to go on tour with him,” Gaga added. “He was such an inspiration and a remarkable human being.”

Gaga also addressed recent rumors that she has Lupus, an autoimmune disease that she says runs in her family. “The truth is I dont show any signs, any symptoms of lupus, but I have tested borderline positive for the disease,” she told King. “So as of right now I do not have it, but I have to take good care of myself.”

Another subject Gaga addressed was the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that forces gay men and women serving in the military to stay closeted. “I hope so,” she said when King asked her whether she thinks the law will be repealed. “There’s so many archaic things floating around in the government right now that are so misinformed and so wrong. It’s very confusing for young people.”